Muroran: Aquarium, port-city history and coastal scenery

With its aquarium, traces of port and railway history, and the coastal scenery of the Etomo Peninsula, Muroran offers several distinct reasons to visit. You can get to know the area through its marine life, historical connections or walks. When searching for a holiday apartment in Muroran, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay: would you mainly like to explore the aquarium, discover the port-city history or make the coast the centre of your trip?

The aquarium: history and diversity of species

Muroran Minpō Minna no Aquarium opened in June 1953 as Hokkaido’s first aquarium and is the oldest aquarium in Hokkaido. Its history gives the place a clear context, alongside a specific look at its collection. A municipal statement dated 21 May 2024 lists around 120 species and 3,300 specimens. These include rare tropical fish from the area around Muroran, from Hokkaido and from mainland Japan. The stated areas of origin therefore range from the local area to other parts of Japan. Anyone interested in marine life will find both a historical connection and specific information about the collection’s size and origins here.

A former station building and the history of the port city

The former Muroran station building was built in 1912 and is part of the Japanese Heritage site “Coal, Iron and Port,” designated in 2019. The year of construction and the later designation mark two different points in time: the building’s creation and its inclusion in a heritage framework. The title highlights coal, railways and the port as themes of the heritage site. This makes one particular building a way to explore Muroran’s port-city history, without requiring a full itinerary.

Bridge construction and facilities at the roadside station

The second floor of the roadside station “Mitala Muroran” displays valuable materials about the construction of the Hakucho Bridge; there is also a children’s play area. This brings together the history of bridge construction and an area specifically intended for children in one place. In April 2019, a restaurant and café serving Muroran Yakitori opened there. Uzuran Soft was also described as available only there. These culinary details relate to that time and do not necessarily describe what is on offer today.

Coastal scenery and walks

The outer coast of the Etomo Peninsula, “Pirika Noka,” was designated a national scenic spot on 24 January 2012. This draws attention to the coastal scenery. The Minato-machi walking trail offers a different perspective: its three routes let you experience the historic character of the port city on foot. For planning your trip, these options are quite distinct: one focuses on the landscape, while the other lets you experience Muroran’s historic character as you walk. You can then decide which kind of exploration you want to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sorachi District, Shinhidaka, Shibetsu District, Otaru, Kitami, Koshimizu, Shiraoi District, Abashiri District.

For the main travel overview: Hokkaido.